Staying Active wih Cirrhosis

[rpooo]

For the past couple of years my MELD score has remained 12. This past January/February I decided I couldn't handle just staying home all the time. I made a decision to forfeit my disability benefits (Trial work period, a whole other discussion) and return to my profession. Things are going great, though coping with the memory problems and confusion seems to be a challenge so I make a lot of notes. On July 2nd my lab results came back as follows also taking notice my MELD score has dropped to 10. This is the best I have seen in years. I wish this could be an case/option for everyone here but my point is that for some of us further recovery is still possible. Don't give up hope and never give up trying. I wish you all the very best!

Randy

RESULTS

CBC With Differential/Platelet (L-005009) 2014-07-02
NRBC()
Immature Grans (Abs)(0.0-0.1) 0.0
Immature Granulocytes(0-2) 0
Baso (Absolute)(0.0-0.2) 0.0
Hematology Comments:() Note:
Eos(0-5) 3
Basos(0-3) 0
Immature Cells()
Neutrophils (Absolute)(1.4-7.0) 4.7
Neutrophils(40-74) 70
Lymphs(14-46) 18
Monocytes(4-12) 9
WBC(3.4-10.8) 6.8
Eos (Absolute)(0.0-0.4) 0.2
MCH(26.6-33.0) 29.5
MCHC(31.5-35.7) 32.4
Lymphs (Absolute)(0.7-3.1) 1.3
RDW(12.3-15.4) 15.1
Monocytes(Absolute)(0.1-0.9) 0.6
Platelets(150-379) 86
RBC(4.14-5.80) 4.64
Hemoglobin(12.6-17.7) 13.7
Hematocrit(37.5-51.0) 42.3
MCV(79-97) 91
Prothrombin Time (PT) (L-005199) 2014-07-02
Prothrombin Time(9.1-12.0) 11.7
INR(0.8-1.2) 1.1
Hemoglobin A1c (L-001453) 2014-07-02
Hemoglobin A1c(4.8-5.6) 5.2
GGT (L-001958) 2014-07-02
GGT(0-65) 178
Lipid Panel With LDL/HDL Ratio (L-235010) 2014-07-02
Cholesterol, Total(100-199) 158
LDL Cholesterol Calc(0-99) 99
VLDL Cholesterol Cal(5-40) 18
HDL Cholesterol(>39) 41
Triglycerides(0-149) 90
LDL/HDL Ratio(0.0-3.6) 2.4
Comp. Metabolic Panel (14) (L-322000) 2014-07-02
BUN(6-24) 16
Glucose, Serum(65-99) 84
eGFR If NonAfricn Am( >59) 113
Creatinine, Serum(0.76-1.27) 0.75
ALT (SGPT)(0-44) 31
AST (SGOT)(0-40) 35
Alkaline Phosphatase, S(39-117) 92
Bilirubin, Total(0.0-1.2) 1.7
A/G Ratio(1.1-2.5) 1.4
Globulin, Total(1.5-4.5) 3.2
Potassium, Serum(3.5-5.2) 4.4
Chloride, Serum(97-108) 102
Albumin, Serum(3.5-5.5) 4.4
BUN/Creatinine Ratio(9-20) 21
Protein, Total, Serum(6.0-8.5) 7.6
Sodium, Serum(134-144) 140
Calcium, Serum(8.7-10.2) 9.4
Carbon Dioxide, Total(18-29) 23
Ammonia, Plasma (L-007054) 2014-07-02
Ammonia, Plasma() TNP
Vitamin A, Serum (L-017509) 2014-07-02
Vitamin A, Serum(18-77) 22

[crossroadsec]

More good news! Congratulations! My MELD got down to 6 before my tumor popped up. I went 2 years without a varices banding too.

I think my liver could have gone on for 20 more years if not for the tumor. I was in bad shape with a MELD of 16 at diagnosis. I think the tumor was due to that.

All that to say I hope that you keep plugging along just like you are! Increased platelets too! woohoo!

xoxo Much love,
Your friend from the old days.. Karen:)

[rpooo]

At this point no further testing has been done to investigate a potential reduction in portal hypertension. I did receive an email inviting me to participate in research trials should one arise that fits my circumstances.  It mentioned that my medical history would make me an appropriate candidate. This came from my transplant center.

I think a ultrasound could be used to take measurements of my spleen, a reduction in size could also indicate a reduction in portal hypertension. Any other testing would seem pointless since there is no further treatment available that fits my circumstance. Curiosity doesn't outweigh the risk at least in their opinion. As for me I'm satisfied with allowing more time to pass, should I note an increase in my platelet count then ill doing the snoopy dance! Haha!

Randy

[fntn]

Randy -

Your story is wonderful! And I'm curious as to the extent of your liver's recovery.

In particular, have your doctors noted any reduction in your PHT? I know this would be tricky without doing an invasive, direct HVPG measurements but maybe some of the collateral's might show some signs of this? The recovery can be achieved via a number of different pathological routes, so I was wondering if the fibrosis and nodularity was beginning to loosening it's tight grip?

Keep up your great progress!

[Dee1956]

Randy, thanks so much for coming back to post.  Your blood work looks really good.  I am so happy for you!  :)
Dee

[Livelife777]

Randy that's wonderful news.  It's amazing how our livers can be so resilient.
My INR was the final # I needed to get to a Meld of 6 as it seemed to not budge.  Finally it took the plunge as yours will too.
So happy for you!
.....Kim

[rpooo]

As an update to this thread on 11/24/2014 just four months past my previous lab testing my MELD has yet dropped again. This time to 7! At one point over the past five years my MELD was up to a 15, I wish I could tell you all here is the secret …. But the truth is there’s not much more to it than to say I am very lucky. Stay determined, follow the rules.. if you don’t know them feel free to ask. Myself or someone here in the community will be glad to help.

Though these numbers look good it is still possible that over the years the compensated portion of my liver may increasingly become less capable since it is working so hard to meet my bodies demands (not in all cases though as explained by my Hepatologist). Also portal hypertension with grade three varices continues to need monitoring and treated.

Im thrilled with my new MELD score and so very thankful. In the beginning I started this community to help others but as it turns out it really has helped me. There is a lot of wonderful and knowledgeable people here, I really thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your valuable life!

Best Wishes,
Randy



Glucose, Serum 87 65-99 mg/dL


BUN 14 6-24 mg/dL


Creatinine, Serum 0.77 0.76-1.27 mg/dL


eGFR If NonAfricn Am 112 >59 mL/min/1.73


eGFR If Africn Am 129 >59 mL/min/1.73


BUN/Creatinine Ratio 18 9-20


Sodium, Serum 140 134-144 mmol/L


Potassium, Serum 4.1 3.5-5.2 mmol/L


Chloride, Serum 107 97-108 mmol/L


Carbon Dioxide, Total 24 18-29 mmol/L


Calcium, Serum 9.1 8.7-10.2 mg/dL


Protein, Total, Serum 7.1 6.0-8.5 g/dL


Albumin, Serum 4.2 3.5-5.5 g/dL


Globulin, Total 2.9 1.5-4.5 g/dL


A/G Ratio 1.4 1.1-2.5


Bilirubin, Total 0.9 0.0-1.2 mg/dL


Alkaline Phosphatase, S 68 39-117 IU/L


AST (SGOT) 27 0-40 IU/L


ALT (SGPT) 38 0-44 IU/L

INR 1.1 0.8-1.2


Prothrombin Time 11.7 9.1-12.0 sec

[Dee1956]

Hey there, I am not sure how I missed this but I wanted to say I am so happy for you!
I think your blood work looks pretty good.
I appreciate you sharing your news with all of us.  I think it is not only wonderful news but it helps others to realize that we can improve.
Bless you, Dee

[zarmar]

Randy - Great news.  My last day of 12-wk S/O was this past Friday.  Viral load EOT is UND.  I am thrilled.  Stage 4/5 fibrous has me quite anxious, of course, but like you, I too believe more improvement is possible.  Now that my liver has this break from chronic HCV, I can keep pushing forward.  Healthy eating, daily exercise and doing things I enjoy with people I enjoy are my goals.  This forum is part of my wellness protocol - I learn so much in this community that I wouldn't have without you all. I carry your good juju with me everywhere I go.  Onward to SVR.

[pugdaddy]

Hi Randy - way to go!!  This could not be happening to a more deserving guy.  You have consistently 'paid it forward' to so many others here -  and how delightful to be reading this good news!

[rpooo]

Thank you everyone for saying such nice things and best wishes, it really means a lot. This has really become a very resourceful community filled with such compassionate people. I couldn't be more proud of the group we have here.

So many people have received your help and have now learned how to manage their cirrhosis since the community started in July 2013.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Cirrhosis-of-the-Liver/Introducing-a-new-Community-Leader/show/1753161

Karen I’m so sorry to hear about the cancer, do the best you can to prepare yourself mentally and physically as best you can. Every little bit will help in your recovery. I am glad you stay in contact with Hector, he has been an inspiration to many of us. His knowledge and experience will certainly be helpful. You are a very strong and wonderful lady, I wish you the best through this all! God bless you my friend.

Randy

[mikesimon]

Lookin' good Randy.
I wish you all the best.

Mike

[crossroadsec]

Way to go! It's great to hear you're doing so well! I've continued to work. This fall I will have a sub. Dang cancer popped up. Looks like I'll be listed for a new liver. I think of you all a lot. All my best to you.
I too believe that the liver heals. I was just so far gone and the damage was severe enough to make mayhem w my liver cells.
Xo to my dear old friends. I still keep in touch with Hector. He's my hero!
Xo Karen:)

[frijole]

By the way, I think your labs look pretty good.

[frijole]

How grand.  I follow your posts and am grateful that you are the moderator.  Going back to work must have been a hard decision but the right one.  Not only for the money but just the intergration back into a social setting.  Staying at home is not for most of us.  My cirrhosis is early and I may have pushed it back some after successfully treating the Hep C.  However, I will always be mindful of the cirrhosis diagnosis and read this forum often although I don't post much.

I like your idea of writing lots of notes.  There are "work-arounds" for all of us so that we can stay active and productive.

good luck, Randy
frijole (bean)

[Livelife777]

Love the fact that your #s are improving.  Do believe with eradication of the Hep C virus, you will see a continual drop in many of the relevant areas.
Will share with you that going into treating my Meld score was an 8.  Have since hopefully eliminated the virus as I was EOT12, UND as of early June.
My meld is now a 6.  Do believe reversal is occurring and will continue as time moves on.  I treat at Mayo Clinic, and my Hepa has shared story's of others who were F4 going in and 6 months later F2 after successful completion of viral meds.  She did point out that healthy eating, and exercise were key (personal trainer here) and that she felt I would follow in the same pattern.  Feel better then I have ever felt in my life, and owe it all to being Hep C free.  Have done alot of research and there is evidence that improvements can and will take place for up to 5 years.  Think that reemerging into the real world has benefitted you as far as feeling better.
There is alot to be said regarding the immune system and health.  Engaging in life is beneficial for our overall survival.
Please do keep us posted on gradual improvements.  As Nan pointed out it gives others hope and for many, a reason to move forward.   Happy to hear your good fortune.
Take care and be well
...Kim

[nan535]

It's always great news to hear that someone who has cirrhosis is doing better.
It really gives hope to those who are struggling that things will get better.
Thank you for sharing your improvement.

I am really happy for you.

Nan